Outside Lands: The Coup

It’s still early, but I’d be surprised if I see anything at Outside Lands that impresses me more the Coup’s set. It’s always the same deal with this East Bay troupe, led by genius rapper Boots Riley. Whether they are playing Coachella or Rock the Bells or, now, Outside, they always seem to outshine the competition.

The band’s niche, one which seems so hard for others to master, is to create music that is equally powerful to your booty and your brain. You dance to the grooves, but the lyrics stick in your head and provide food for thought. Boots is a great front man, who reminds of me of Sly or Prince (and, yes, I realize that those comparisons are quite hefty).
Is there a better local music act than the Coup right now? In 2008, I’d take them over Metallica, the Counting Crows, E-40, etc. Berkeley’s Lyrics Born, who performed at Outside Lands on Friday, is the only guy who comes close in my mind. (If you have other nominees, I’d love to hear about them – please post.)

The only knock on the set was that DJ Pam the Funkstress wasn’t there. She was off handling her own blossoming solo career. One fan noticed her absence and shouted out, “Where Pam?”

The answer:

“Usually, 95 percent of the time, if you see us in the Bay Area, she’s going to be with us,” Boots replied. “This is one of the 5 percent.”